Gani Adams, Akeredolu clash over alleged neglect of cultural heritage

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, have disagreed over the extent the Ondo State government had promoted cultural heritage for socio economic development of the state.

Gani Adams alleged Ondo was the only State in the Southwest not doing enough to promote ‘the unique culture and tradition of its people.’Adams said the neglect of culture and tradition of the people by the state government has affected the state in the Southwest region.

He urged traditional rulers in the State to step up their roles as custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition.He spoke in Arigidi, Akoko Northwest local government at this years celebration of Okota festival.

It is during the festival that residents and believers are allowed to visit and get blessings from the Okota River goddess.

Adams stated the Ondo State Government and the traditional institution need to do more to promoting the culture and tradition of the people in order to improve the state economy and further enhance development in the state.

He said communities in Akoko land have remained backward because they ignored its tradition and cultural heritage.According to him: “Okota Festival usually reflects the unique tradition of my people here in Arigidi- Akoko.

“Okota river goddess had always impacted the lives of the people positively.Her influence towards the progress and development of the town is noteworthy.

“All over the world, there is obvious difference between religion, culture and traditions. And any race or people that abandons their culture and tradition does so at their own peril.

“For instance, indigenes and people of Akure, Owo,and the Ikare still make tremendous progress in their socio-economic lives even better than my people here in Akoko because they identify with their own culture and traditions.

“As custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, it is the divine role and responsibility of all our traditional rulers to promote the cultural heritage of the respective towns and communities.

“Prosperity, wealth and abundance, both social and economic fortunes are all spiritual in nature.They don’t come by accident. It is by promoting our culture and tradition that we can be able to access the spiritual fortunes and be liberated from poverty and misfortunes.

“And it is very important for us to fulfill our own part of the spiritual covenant that we had with the deities and ancestors of our respective towns and communities across the southwest.”

But Akeredolu who was represented by Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora, Mr. Adeboye Ologbese, said the Aareonakakanfo has not been following up on activities in the state.

Akeredolu said his administration was at the forefront of promoting Yoruba cultural heritage because he knew it would bring peace and development.He also commended Adams for promoting tourism potentials of the state as well as bringing unity to Akokoland.

Thousands of persons trooped to the community to seek the blessings of the Okota River goddess.Arigidi is the hometown of late Prophet Temitope Joshua, founder of the Synagogue of All Nations Church.

The Okota festival, which was last celebrated in 2019, is the day believers went to Okota River goddess to seek blessings and also fetch the water to protect themselves throughout the year.

Those that went to the Okota river included students, traders, elders and individuals from all walks of live.Some drank out of the water even when others were washing themselves inside the water.

Those who spoke said they have been using the water from the Okota River for many years and received the blessings.

“This water is good for us. No devil will come to your house if you spread it around your house. We drink the water when we are sick and we will be healed,” said Soji Muyiwa.

Olusakanmi Ismail said he believed in the powers of the Okota River.“We come here for prayers and seek healing. The water is not for sale. Pastors and Alfas do come here to take the water.”